Use of methylation status of mint loci and tumor related genes as a marker for melanoma and breast cancer

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of detecting melanoma or breast cancer using DNA methylation in MINT17, MINT31, or the promoter region of WIF1, TFPI2, RASSF1A, SOCS1, GATA4, or RARβ2 as a biomarker. Also disclosed are methods of using the biomarker for determining the cancer status and predicting the outcome of the cancer.

1 . A method of determining breast cancer status, comprising:
 providing from a subject a sample containing breast cancer cells; and   determining the level of DNA methylation in MINT17, MINT31, or the promoter region of RASSF1A or RARβ2 (retinoic acid receptor beta 2) in the breast cancer cells,   wherein the level of DNA methylation in MINT17, MINT31, or the promoter region of RASSF1A or RARβ2 in the breast cancer cells, if higher than that in normal cells, indicates that the breast cancer is likely to be an aggressive breast cancer.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the breast cancer is a primary or metastatic cancer. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a higher level of DNA methylation in MINT17 or the promoter region of RASSF1A, or a lower level of DNA methylation in MINT31 in the breast cancer cells indicates that the breast cancer is more likely to be positive for ER (estrogen receptor). 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a higher level of DNA methylation in MINT17 or the promoter region of RASSF1A, or a lower level of DNA methylation in MINT31 or the promoter region of RARβ2 in the breast cancer cells indicates that the breast cancer is more likely to be positive for PR (progesterone receptor). 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a higher level of DNA methylation in the promoter region of RARβ2, or a lower level of DNA methylation in MINT17 in the breast cancer cells indicates that the breast cancer is more likely to be positive for HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2). 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a higher level of DNA methylation in MINT31 in the breast cancer cells indicates that the subject is likely to be suffering from a more aggressive breast cancer. 
     
     
         7 . A method of predicting the outcome of breast cancer, comprising:
 providing from a subject a sample containing breast cancer cells; and   determining the level of DNA methylation in MINT17, MINT31, or the promoter region of RARβ2 in the breast cancer cells,   wherein a higher level of methylation in MINT17, MINT31, or the promoter region of RARβ2 in the breast cancer cells indicates a less likelihood of overall survival.   
     
     
         8 . A method of detecting breast cancer in a subject, comprising:
 providing a DNA sample from a subject; and   determining the level of DNA methylation in MINT17 or MINT31 in the sample,   wherein the level of DNA methylation in MINT17 or MINT31 in the sample, if higher than that in normal cells, indicates that the subject is suffering from breast cancer.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the breast cancer is an aggressive breast cancer. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the breast cancer is a primary or metastatic cancer.